Iraqi musicians have been the target of attacks by extremists who have bombed music shops and forced many concert halls to close, but they have continued to play.On this week's Global Notes we'll listen to Iraqi folk and pop.

Insurgents in Iraq are pushing toward Baghdad and taking cities as they go. In response, President Obama is meeting with national security advisers to consider his options to stabilize the country, which may include talks with Iran.

Last week Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi visited the hospital room of a woman who was assaulted in Cairo's Tahrir square during an election celebration. We'll talk to an Egyptian sociologist about why such public sexual assaults are on the rise in Egypt.

Islamic insurgents from ISIS have reportedly taken over two Iraqi cities. Iran has now sent in troops to help fight alongside Iraqi soldiers. Iraqi American Laith Saud joins us to discuss the growing violence.

Last month the Egyptian government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a "terrorist organization." But despite the arrest of many of its leaders, the organization has pledged to continue its protests. Many are concerned about the potential for violence. We'll find out what's at stake.

This program to mark the tenth anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003, includes a panel of speakers addressing the changing face of war. Abroad, the US' increased use of drones for "targeted killings" in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians. Here in the US, deadly cuts continue to be imposed on domestic programs in order to fund the Pentagon's excessive spending and line the pockets of wealthy corporations, such as Boeing. The fights for public education, housing, and healthcare are intricately tied to the fights against war and imperialism.

As President Obama announces more troops to come home from Afghanistan, a veteran from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood says the Department of Veterans Affairs isn’t doing enough. So he’s running his own service organization hand-to-mouth.